German word

turnen

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈtʊɐ̯nən/

Meaning

  • verbdo gymnastics

Example

Ich turne jeden Morgen im Garten.

I do gymnastics in the garden every morning.

Illustration for turnen (do gymnastics)

More examples

Am Sonntag turnen wir im Verein.

On Sunday, we do gymnastics at the club.

Core concept

A body moves through controlled floor and apparatus routines, using balance, strength, and flexibility.

Common phrases

  • im Verein turnen

    do gymnastics at a club

  • zu Hause turnen

    do gymnastics at home

  • regelmäßig turnen

    do gymnastics regularly

Similar words

Sport treiben: Exercise through activities such as jogging or gym workouts to improve fitness and maintain health.
trainieren: Train repeatedly and systematically to improve skills or strength for a goal or competition.
Gymnastik machen: Do gentle movements and stretches to maintain flexibility and basic fitness.

Definition in German

Übungen zur Kräftigung und Beweglichkeit durchführen, insbesondere am Gerät oder auf dem Boden

Word origin

The verb turnen developed from Turnen, the German term established for organized gymnastics in the early nineteenth-century German gymnastics movement.

Usage tips

  • Turnen usually refers to gymnastics or school-style physical exercises, while broad general exercise is more often expressed with Sport treiben or sich bewegen.

Other meanings

  • exerciseverb

Opposites

Related words

Word lists with this word